Farewell to the Japanese High School Summer Programmes 2018
It has been a delight for the International Programmes Department to host the 13th Seikei High School Summer Programme and 10th Nihon Affiliated High Schools Programme at Pembroke College over the last two weeks.
The programmes continue a long tradition at Pembroke of welcoming Japanese students in the summer to experience the benefits Cambridge and our College have to offer. Our students have been able to learn more about British culture and develop their English language skills in a fun, supportive environment with a focus on verbal communication while enjoying cultural activities organised by our Programme Assistants (PAs).
Reflecting on this year’s successful programme Charlie Ritchie, Director of the Nihon Programme, said: “The students were positive, enthusiastic and did very well to work and enjoy activities in a real heatwave. Language instructors and PAs were delighted by the progress they made and the energy they brought to the classroom. They and their accompanying staff have been friendly, relaxed, and well organised and we all wish them the very best for their future.”
Each programme ended with a farewell dinner at which we celebrated the students’ progress and time at Pembroke. Speaking at the event Andy Hilton, Director of the Seikei Programme, praised this year’s students: “It’s been my great honour and pleasure to be able to look after this course. You have been an absolute delight to have in College, you have been very good representatives of your school, represented your families so well and of course Japan. You should be very proud of yourselves.”
The Seikei Accompanying Staff also praised the students and thanked the hard work of the programme staff, the International Programmes Department and Pembroke College. Accompanying teacher Masato reflected on the lasting positive effect of the programme on the Seikei students: “I am proud of our students who will have changed during this programme in a positive way. We have spent an amazing summer at this most beautiful College and we will never forget this summer.” A sentiment echoed by his colleague Maiko: “The students will never forget the time they’ve spend at Pembroke. They have their stories to tell when they go back to Japan and I’m sure they will carry those stories with them for the rest of their lives.” While it is sad to say goodbye, we hope the students cherish the memories and friendships made during their time at Pembroke and continue to build their skills in English.